The Cookie Pop Shop in West Covina offers sweet arrangements

Flowers, chocolates and greeting cards are all popular ways of showing your affection on Valentine's Day. But The Cookie Pop Shop in West Covina offers an alternative to that with their cookie arrangements.

Owner Deborah Ikpa of Covina took over the shop fifteen years ago when her uncle could no longer keep it going due to health issues.

"I used to do hair," said Ikpa. "In the morning I would go into my uncle's shop, he would show me what to do, and then I would go to work. He loved the business and his kids didn't want it, so I said I would take it — you know, just continue it."

The shop offers a range of bouquets of cookie pops, shaped like stars, hearts, circles and flowers. The bouquets come in planters, mugs, or baskets, and are available in many different themes for sports or various events. Cookie types range from chocolate chip and snicker doodle to sugar and oatmeal.

They can also be ordered half-dipped in chocolate. Besides ordering for a special occasion, customers are welcome to drop in and pick up a couple of their favorite cookies on a stick or not.

"I love to be creative, and I meet a lot of nice people," she said. "I've had some customers for a very long time. They remember the shop from high school."

Ikpa has added to a steady customer base with her own personal touch, and a little help from her friends.

"I've known Deborah for over 10 years," said Melinda Nehdar, who helps at the shop during busy times. "She's a good instructor as well as an excellent baker. It can be hectic depending on how many orders we have. We've gone all night before."

Valentine's Day is one of those times and even Ikpa's husband, Eleka, joins in to help.

"It's usually the busiest time of the year for us," he said. "Everybody knows somebody. School kids will even get a heart (cookie) on a stick for their friends."

Valentine's orders have reached over 100 previously but just like many businesses, the shop has seen a decline in recent years.

"Since the economy collapsed, it's been about half or a little more than that," Eleka said. "About 50 to 60 percent. We used to do very well. We're trying to rebuild that clientele. Hopefully, as time goes on they will come back."

There are still those loyal customers though that come back time and again.

"I was referred to them by someone, and I saw the arrangement and fell in love with it," said Tracey Falloon, who has been a customer for the past two years. "The service is great, the product is good, even the arrangement. Everything is really nice. The people I just sent some to were very pleased with it — they loved it. I've even sent them as far as Florida before."

The shop also loves to be involved in the community.

"We accommodate Girl Scouts," said Eleka Ikpa. "They come in and Deborah shows them how to bake. Sometimes we do AYSO gift certificates or things to promote different organizations."

To order from The Cookie Pop Shop, call 626-918-8200, or check out their website at www.thecookiepopshop.com.